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Menopause is a difficult medical condition that can lead to significant changes both physically and mentally for a women. It often means the end of child bearing age and with it, comes several physical changes. It occurs when a women reaches a certain age (that is unique to the individual), has certain medical conditions, and a numerous of other factors. On a micro-level – this condition develops when a women becomes unable to reproduce reproductive hormones.

The exact wording means “an end to monthly cycles“.

Often menopause occurs in women when their monthly cycles do stop. It is the opposite of menarche or the beginning of menses

The action results in an change in the Uterus – causing the stoppage of menses, but the real action takes place in the Ovaries

Classification:

1.) Without Uterus – When FSH levels become elevated

2.) With Uterus – Stoppage of menses

Clarification

Example #1:

In a young women who has had her uterus removed (Hysterectomy) will often experience a loss if fertility and a loss of monthly menses.

Her ovaries and the release of reproductive hormones often will still occur. [This is assuming that she has at least 1 ovary remaining]. As long as those hormones continue – she has not reached menopause.

Example #2:

If a young women has both ovaries removed (Oophorectomy) No additional reproductive hormones are produced. She has reached a “surgical menopause“.

Causes Often Seen:

Age of Typical Occurrence

– Often occurs naturally between ages 45 and 55
– The average is different depending on country
– If occurs prior to 40 – it is called premature ovarian failure

*** – Smokers may experience menopause at an earlier age

Associated Classifications

1.) Perimenopause

– The relative time around the transition to the final menses
– Decrease in production of estrogen, progesterone and testosterone.
– Fertility decreases dramatically – but it is not at 0%
– Age is often mid to late 40s

2.) Premenopause

– Hormone level is very low
– Just prior to menopause
– Effects of hormone loss may be present

3.) Postmenopause

– Following menopause
– Occurs 12 months following last period and spotting – at that point she is 1 year into postmenopause
– Women is infertile
– If not uterus – FSH levels will be very elevated